Okay, good morning and thank you for coming to the third innovation conference, this year
called Public Sector Innovation Future Frontiers.
It's about the innovative initiatives we can put in place as individuals, teams, organizations,
and the APS as a whole, that will foster an agile, resilient and creative APS.
Firstly I'd like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet, and
pay my respects to elders past and present, and welcome any Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islanders people that are here in the audience today.
I'd also, for the third year running, like to acknowledge the innovative nature of our
indigenous people.
I was recently in Western Australia swimming with wild sharks and dolphins and things like
that, it was really wonderful, but that part of the country really reminds you how harsh
the environment is here in Australia.
Yet our Aboriginal people were able to survive and thrive here for 40,000 years, and that
takes innovation.
This is the biggest of the conferences that have been put together so far.
This year we have nearly 30 people from 36 organisations, predominately from the public
sector, including health colleagues that are here from our Sydney office, and other state
participants.
Thank you for coming.
Other organizations represented, just so you get a flavour, feel free to cheer for your
particular favourite organization.
We have the ABS, (audience member cheers) (laughs) hey, the ACT government, (audience
cheers and laughs) they have a government, so they're probably busy working.
(Audience laughs) The AFP (audience member cheers) (laughs) thank you.
AIHW, sorry Abby giving me abbreviations, I don't know who they are, I'm sure you do.
(Audience chuckles) The APV may, the ATO, ATD's, Ausprac, ANU, CASA, Catalyst Exchange,
Clean Energy Regulator, CIT, Communications, CSRO, CPSU, Defence, Defence Housing, DHS,
DSS, DVA Education Employment, Finance, goodness, Geo Science, Health Infrastructure IP Australia,
IPAA Industry, Immigration and Borders, Lighthouse Innovation, Pharmaceutical Society, PMC, Telstra,
The University of Canberra.
So we're certainly reaching a broad cross section, and thank you all for coming.
I would also like to thank our speakers for today, all of whom donated their time and
paid for their own travel when they've come from interstate, I believe.
So thank you, without you we don't have a conference.
I'd also like to thank Abby Robson, for both creating and organizing the conference.
I had a conversation this morning, I had a couple conversations this morning actually,
one was, Abby works for you, and sometimes I'm not quite sure that's the case.
I think I work for Abby, because the other question I had was, how come you do this,
and it's because Abby tells me to.
She's certainly the driving force behind these conferences and they keep growing every year,
looks like we might need to find new space, next year.
There are five conference assistants in the audience, can you identify yourself, peoples.
They've their hands up, I see two, there's three other somewhere, oh there we go.
(Chuckles) They will be able to help with any inquiries you've got.
Housekeeping, the facilities are out through the door, and go straight down the corridor
there.
In the event of an emergency follow the directions of the Hellenic Club staff.
This conference is about celebrating the innovation in whatever way you are able to.
The conference forum provides a great opportunity for participants not only to hear from great
speakers, I'm not talking about myself there, but to learn, collaborate, network, and make
new contacts across the APS and beyond.
We've particularly had a drive to get all levels of the APS here, because my personal
view is that everybody has a role to play in innovation, and so we need to reach everybody.
This year we're also supporting DICE Kids, DICE stand for digital, innovative, creative,
and entrepreneurial.
A not for profit group that helps develop and prepare children for a life of creating,
building, and sustaining businesses in their adult lives.
We are donating two dollars from every ticket purchased to DICE Kids today, so thank you
for your contributions to a good cause.
Erin Watson-Lynn, who heads DICE Kids initiative with Monash University, was not able to make
it today, but if you have any, slippy start again, if you have any questions go to the
DICE Kids website or send any inquiries to Abby.
Also a special thanks to the 501st Legion Red Garrison, the Star Wars garbed gentlemen
you see lined up in front of the bar in the back there, who are assisting people to their
seats, who are donating their time today in support of DICE kids.
From what I understand if there's a charity, these guys will be there.
A big thank you to the Hellenic Club, who have been extremely accommodating in assisting
this event, it's the second time in a month I've hosted a charitable event at this club,
and they've been extraordinary both times.
I urge you, if you can, to stay around afterwards for a networking drink or two, and give something
back to this great, public minded organization.
Morning tea, afternoon tea, and lunch will be in the room next door to you, to us, I
think I've seen most of you have found that the coffee is over there.
Enjoy the presentations, connect, and collaborate with yourselves as well as other participants,
including our presenters.
We hope you all go back and share your insights with your teams and your work environment.
More importantly we sincerely want you to enjoy yourselves today, and hope that the
day inspires and motivates you to be the best you can be and more.